Toad Hall revamps model railroad department

If you haven't been to Toad Hall Toys lately to check out their model railroad department, then it's worth the trip! Darryl Audette has taken over the reins, and he's making some changes! Pictured above is his work in progress in the store, which promises to be a terrific display when it's finished!

As you can see from behind his layout, the place is very well stocked with all sorts of mode railroad goodies! It is very gratifying in these days of hobby shop disappearing or downsizing to see that Toad Hall is not only still in the game, but is expanding!

Toad Hall has been a supporter of the WMRC for many years, and has continued to faithfully advertise in the clubs. official publication, The Lantern. Every member in good standing receives a 10% discount on all no-sale in-store model railroad items, so be sure to bring your card the next time you go!

Darryl Audette, published miniaturist, general brilliant person and all around great guy is in charge of Toad Hall's model railroad department. 

Two exciting open houses on tap for this weekend

How’s this for fun? The Assiniboine Valley Railway and WinNtrak will both be holding open houses this weekend!

WinNtrak’s clubhouse and layout will be open between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM on Saturday, August 27 and Sunday, August 28. Their clubhouse is located in the parking lot of the Prairie Dog Central complex, and admission is free!

The Assiniboine Valley Railway’s open house hours are from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, August 27, and from 1:00PM to 5:00PM on Sunday, August 28. They’re located at 3001 Roblin Boulevard, just west of Assiniboine Park. 

It's just two bucks a ride, and kids under two years of age ride for free. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. A 12 ride pass is only twenty bucks!

The rail fanning adventures of Felix Lesiuk

On a recent rail fanning trip, Felix Lesiuk took this whimsical image of a Pillsbury grain hopper with the Pillsbury doughboy graffitied on it. Good eye, Felix!

Since his recent retirement from school teaching,  long time WMRC member Felix Lesiuk has kept himself very busy! He's the president of WinNtrak, and he also conducts tours to Churchill for Rail Travel Tours, which is owned and operated by another long time member, Daryl Adair!

But he is best known at the club for his many award winning railroading images. He goes rail fanning on a regular basis with his old friend and long time WMRC member Louis Lenz, and he has shared many of his images with us.

From time to time, we will be posting his images on this site. Keep up the great work, Felix!

Felix celebrates his birthday and Canada Day on the sunny shores of Churchill, Manitoba.